Performing acts of service for others can be a great way to take the focus off yourself and put it on others. In other words, it’s a excellent way to get outside of your head.
“Research has shown that when you help other people, the reward center of your brain is kick-started. You get a rush of endorphins, making you feel happier.”
One way I contribute to the community is by knitting beanies for the babies at the hospital. I have a loom and have had most of the yarn donated. I’ve donated over 1,000 beanies over the past several years. It helps with my anxiety by helping me focus on something other than what is going on inside my head. The bonus is that I’m helping out the hospitals at the same time.
To make service more fun, find an opportunity by matching a skill or interest that you already have. Another is to learn a new skill. When I started making beanies, I had never touched a loom before.
If you like doing arts and crafts, there are many organizations who have supplies available. You pick up the supplies, create the item at home, and then return it completed.
If you enjoy animals, you could volunteer for an animal shelter by fostering a rescued animal. If that’s too overwhelming, you could start by walking your neighbor’s dog. The exercise would also be beneficial to you.
Did you know you can volunteer at your local hospital to hold babies? Hugs trigger the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which would help lower your levels of anxiety.
If you play an instrument or sing, make a YouTube video, and share it. If you don’t mind going out, go to a retirement center and perform for the residents.
Another service that could easily be performed from home is family history. By performing family history research “…you will find joy and be blessed in every other aspect of your life….” Creating a family tree, indexing, and recording stories by either writing them down or recording your voice as you tell the stories, are some of the ways to get started. Watch this video to learn more benefits of doing family history research.
Check out Volunteermatch.org and Justserve.org for more opportunities.